For anyone affected by this “flash flooding”, we have to consider that poor infrastructure is also an issue.
With all the money we pay in taxes, (the median in the areas that saw a lot of flooding near me is $10k for an average home) we need to hold our local governments accountable too
Here’s what you can do:
To check if your town is properly maintaining its drainage systems to prevent flooding, follow these steps:
1. Contact Public Works: ask about maintenance schedules and inspection records for storm drains.
2. Request Records via OPRA: Submit an OPRA request to access stormwater management plans, maintenance logs, or budget details.
3. Review Stormwater Plan: Check Municipal Stormwater Management Plan or NJDEP’s Jersey WaterCheck for compliance with annual cleaning and inspection requirements.
4. Inspect Drains: Look for clogged storm drains or standing water in flood-prone areas.
5. Attend City Meetings: Join City Council meetings to ask about drainage maintenance and funding.
6. Check NJDEP Compliance: Visit
dep.nj.gov or call (609) 633-7021 to verify your towns adherence to stormwater regulations.
7. Engage Community: Connect with local groups or check social media for resident reports on flooding and drainage issues.